›No patent filing system currently operative in the Maldives
›Maldives is not a member of the PCT, Paris Convention, or any multilateral patent treaty
›Contact Aswal Associates for updates on any patent law developments
›MIPO formal registration OPENS November 11, 2026
›CURRENT MECHANISM: Publish a cautionary notice in Maldivian press immediately
›Cautionary notice = public declaration of ownership; evidential value for oppositions
›Foreign companies apply directly — no local incorporation required (major change under new Act)
›First-to-file system once MIPO opens — file on Day One
›Opposition: 3 months after publication
›Non-use cancellation after 5 consecutive years
›Transition deadline: November 11, 2027 for prior cautionary notice holders
›Infringement penalty: MVR 100,000–2,000,000 (USD 6,500–130,000)
›Not Madrid Protocol or Paris Convention — direct MIPO filing only
›No dedicated design registration system currently operative
›Designs Act under consideration in forthcoming IP legislation
›Contact us for updates